The ultimate Antarctic experience marries the phenomenal wildlife of the sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia to the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Discover the historic Falkland Islands and wonder in amazement at the world's largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia. In Antarctica, experience pristine icy-white landscapes, sparkling icebergs and an abundance of wildlife from cetaceans and pinnipeds to a plethora of birdlife.
This comprehensive voyage through the Southern Atlantic explores dramatic wilderness landscapes and visits abundant wildlife hotspots. There is plenty to keep you occupied: sailing days are taken up with lectures on all manner of topics, from bird identification to Antarctic geology, delivered by expert naturalists and an experienced expedition team.
A typical Great Antarctic itinerary is shown below, however we offer a choice of itineraries, expedition vessels and cabin types to suit your requirements.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Set sail in the early evening, leaving Ushuaia behind and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Day2: At sea, towards the Falkland Islands
Days3-4: The Falkland Islands: visit Stanley & outlying islands
You will receive a warm welcome in the Falkland Islands, where you visit some of the privately-owned outlying islands. Flightless steamer ducks, and magellanic and gentoo penguins are just some of the highlights of Carcass Island. On nearby Saunders Island, you can see black-browed albatross and its sometimes clumsy landings, along with breeding imperial shags and large colonies of rockhopper penguins. You can often see Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins along the coast or riding the bow wave as you sail the Southern Ocean.
Days5-6: At sea, towards South Georgia
With the odd wandering albatross wheeling overhead as company, you cross the Antarctic Convergence to remote, rugged and hauntingly beautiful South Georgia.
Days7-10: Explore South Georgia
Glacier-covered South Georgia is an island of contrasts with stunning landscapes, fantastic wildlife habitats and mountain scenery, plus abandoned whaling stations and a haunting history.
This sub-Antarctic island has astonishing concentrations of wildlife, and its awesome scenery ranges from impressive mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. Renowned as a destination for birdwatchers, South Georgia is an inspiring place with more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet. Among the many species that breed here are wandering albatross, southern giant petrel and fur seal. A hike over the heavily glaciated terrain to a hilltop affords magnificent views of rookeries of king penguins.
The island played a significant role in Ernest Shackleton's epic journey after the sinking of his ship the 'Endurance,' and you will visit his grave at Grytviken, a once-active whaling station.
Day11: At sea, towards the wildlife haven of the Antarctic Peninsula
Day12: Visit South Orkney Islands
Enjoy the scenic vistas of the South Orkney Islands. Depending on weather and sea conditions, you might visit Orcadas Base, an Argentine scientific station on Laurie Island in the South Orkney archipelago. If a visit isn’t possible, you may instead land in Coronation Island’s Shingle Cove.
Days13-16: Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
On arrival at the Antarctic Peninsula, you explore penguin rookeries, visit a research station, encounter marine mammals in the many channels, and come face-to-face with icebergs. The sightings and encounters vary from trip to trip, and although it is impossible to guarantee exactly what you will see, we are confident that you will not be disappointed on this voyage of a lifetime! Selected departures offer optional activities such as camping and kayaking.
Days17-18: Cross the infamous Drake Passage
Your final traverse to Ushuaia, a time when you can share tales with fellow passengers and reminisce about your epic journey of a lifetime.
Day19: Arrive back in Ushuaia in the morning & disembark
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 19-22 daysfrom £12,095 ppMagellan Explorer: from £12,095 pp
Plancius: from £13,495 pp
Ortelius: from £14,160 pp
Hondius: from £14,450 pp
Seaventure: from £18,360 pp
Ocean Explorer: from £19,500 pp
Sylvia Earle: from £21,830 pp
Greg Mortimer: from £22,415 pp
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great white continent with some of its best wildlife and scenery. Ice-choked waterways, sculpted icebergs, imposing glaciers and rugged mountains provide the backdrop to an area with more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on earth.
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Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, minke whale, orca, South polar skua, Adélie penguin
South Georgia is a remote, rugged and hauntingly beautiful sub-Antarctic island. Its scenery ranges from impressive mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. Renowned as an excellent birdwatching destination, it has more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet.
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Ideal for viewing: wandering albatross, elephant seal, king penguin, macaroni penguin, sperm whale
The remote eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the white continent's hidden gems. A deeply incised, 2,000-kilometre wide bay, the upwelling of cold water provides food for any creature hardy enough to withstand the intense cold. It is also famed for its huge ice shelves and flat-topped icebergs.
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A unique sub-Antarctic archipelago consisting of nearly 800 islands, the Falklands are home to an exceptional array of wildlife onshore including southern elephant seals, fur seals and sealions as well five species of penguin. Offshore, you can expect to see Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins and several whale species.
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The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach.
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With decades of experience in polar expedition cruising, this vessel is purpose built for enjoying polar wildlife highlights. Every aspect of this innovative ship has been considered to make your polar voyage an incredible experience, from beautiful, comfortable rooms, to the excursions and everything between.
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The Magellan Explorer journeys to remote and spectacular destinations in Antarctica. Purpose-built, its modern design and innovative technologies include an accessible bow which allows guests near the water level for exceptional photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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The Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant, and purpose-built for polar exploration. It features spacious and luxurious cabins, ample outdoor viewing areas, and the latest sustainability technology. The ship offers a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness.
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The ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. With the highest ice-class notation, it offers possibilities to travel to remote locations such as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities.
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The Plancius accommodates a maximum of 108 passengers in cabins ranging from triple to superior, all with outside view and private facilities. She offers a range of itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic, and the large open deck spaces offer excellent opportunities to watch wildlife.
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MS Seaventure is a spacious cruise ship, which not only meets the highest standards of safety for polar expeditions – 1-A Super Class Ice Vessel - but also offers fine cuisine and comfortable accommodation for its guests, with the option for numerous additional activities during Antarctic voyages.
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Described as ‘a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet’, the brand new, purpose-built Sylvia Earle combines the latest in cutting-edge technology with maximum comfort for polar exploration, and was named after the world-renowned marine biologist and oceanographer.
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